Happy Anniversary!

Well, it's been four years since we all exchanged body parts. Everyone is healthy and happy, and mostly in touch. I don't think anyone has heard from Lucky Luther since the CBS show, but I hope he's doing well.

Here's to many more years!

An article in the WSJ

Some more proof that donating a kidney does not shorten the life of the donor.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704841304575137791158398702.html#mod=todays_us_personal_journal

Reunion??

It's hard to believe its been almost a year since the donation. I feel fine, and barely even think about the surgery anymore. A few people are setting up a reunion near the anniversary, July 24th. I think its a terrific idea, and I can't wait to see everyone. A new family reunion!

2 Months and still going...

It's been two months for us all, and I'm just wondering how everyone is doing. So, if anyone is still reading this blog, chime in and tell us how you are doing.

I'm doing fine. The wounds healed up just fine, I got most of my stamina back, and I feel great! Just in time for my favorite time of year, Autumn!

Finally, an update...

Fortunately, the last week has been pretty uneventful. I'm still suffering from a bit of intermittent fatigue, but for the most part I feel fine. I mowed the grass the other day and tweaked a muscle in my abdomen, so I'll take it easy next time...

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to post some pictures from the first day I met Barbara. It was at a press conference at the hospital covered by the Daily News...

Here we all are, freshly scrubbed and ready for our closeup. From left to right, Dr. Ratner, Mr. Handsomepants, Barbara, Doug, Alina, Michael, Andrew, Laura, Lucky Luther, Hospital Dude Who's Name Escapes Me, and Dr. Cohen. A fine looking bunch...




Me and Barbara moments after we first met and hugged for about a minute.




A lot of people have labeled me a "hero". Modesty forces me to reject that label, and this picture reinforces that rejection. All I did was lie on a table, these people did the hard work. Congratulations to them for a job well done.





Barbara and Mr. McDreamy. There's a lot of love in that picture. I'm endlessly grateful to Barbara for taking care of my kidney for the next few decades, rent free...





And here is a shameless attempt to have my family on the interwebs. In the back row, left to right, Aunt Kathy, Mom, Amy, Christopher, Nicole, John. In the front, Barbara, Me, Robert. Awesome...

The Kindness of Strangers...

Yesterday I was sitting around before dinner when the phone range. On the line was a lady who called to thank me for donating. She read about our story on the front page of the Poughkeepsie Journal and felt compelled to call. She is a survivor of a pancreas/kidney donation, so I could feel the added gratitude in her voice. Very sweet.

Later, on my way out to dinner, I stopped and picked up my mail. Hidden between piles of junk mail was a small thank you card, sent by another local woman after reading about us in the Daily News. It just doesn't get any better than this...

Program your tivos now!

The eight of us involved in the kidney swap will be on the CBS Morning Show around 8am. Be sure to watch!!

I'm working on it...

I'm preparing my post regarding yesterday's meeting, I'm just waiting for something. In the meantime, take a minute to read this nugget in the NY Daily News.

Today's the big day!!

Such anxiety. In a few short hours I'll be meeting my recipient. It's like Christmas and a blind date rolled into one...I'll post pictures of the whole thing later...

Feeling great by the way..

Press conference Monday.

I don't have many details, but the hospital informed me that there will be a press conference on Monday, at noon. More exciting than the press conference is the fact that I will finally meet my recipient! It's very exciting and I am really looking forward to it. I have to get a haircut now since my Italian Afro ain't lookin' so hot...

Slept like a baby last night...

Over a week later, and all is well

This is starting to get boring. Yesterday I went food shopping, then to the farmers market. After that I went to the garden store. Getting in and out of the truck was painless, though required some diligence. With the exception of heavy lifting and hard physical labor, I feel completely capable at this point. I'm completely off pain killers. I'm still easily fatigued and look forward to my afternoon nap, but a nice long weekend of relaxation will take care of that....

Piece of cake.

6 days later, and I am feeling fine...

This will be a very boring post. I feel fine. Very little pain. I'm tired though...

Two steps forward, one step back...

I knew from previous surgeries that the recovery is never a linear experience. In a perfect world, we would get better in tiny little increments, with no regression. The reality is, sometimes we feel better, but sometimes things get worse. I say this not because things have taken a drastic turn downhill, but rather I am feeling more pain and fatigue today than I would have expected. The reason seems simple.

Yesterday, I felt so good that I reduced the amount of pain medication I was taking. That worked out fine while I was sitting at my desk working. It was less fine when I decided to take a shower and then cook dinner. Both activities, as non-strenuous as they are, really kicked my ass. I seemed to have aggravated my condition, so today I have a bit more pain. Oh well, just have to take more drugs!

Don't fight it...

As great as I feel today, I am still overcome with bouts of fatigue. At random times over the past couple of days, I've just gone off and taken a nap. It feels great and I think it's best if I don't fight the urge. I've earned a few midday naps, I figure...

Wow...

It's the Monday after my Thursday kidney removal, and I feel great. I just got out of bed like nothing happened. Very little pain. I am a little light-headed this morning, but that's probably due to the fact that I am eating less than usual. Amy made some blueberry muffin tops last night, so I'll give a few of them a good home.

On a less glamorous point, I've been urinating as usual, with no pain or discomfort whatsoever. What else can I donate??